Feature Photo: Sterling Munksgard / Shutterstock.com
X Ambassadors hail from Ithaca, New York, formed in 2009. The band consists of Sam Harris (lead vocals), Casey Harris (keyboards), and Adam Levin (drums). They have released three studio albums: VHS (2015), Orion (2019), and The Beautiful Liar (2021), with their fourth album, Townie, expected in 2024. In addition to their studio albums, they have released multiple EPs and singles, contributing to their growing discography.
The band’s debut album, VHS, was a commercial success, featuring the hit singles “Renegades” and “Unsteady,” which both achieved high positions on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their follow-up albums continued to showcase their versatility and growth as artists. X Ambassadors have won several awards and nominations, including BMI Pop Awards for their songwriting. They have collaborated with notable artists such as Imagine Dragons and Jamie N Commons, further establishing their presence in the music industry. The band’s success is marked by their ability to blend various musical genres, creating a unique and recognizable sound.
X AMBASSADORS STUDIO ALBUMS
VHS
Released June 30, 2015
VHS is the debut studio album by X Ambassadors, released on June 30, 2015, through KIDinaKORNER and Interscope Records. The album blends rock, alternative, and electronic elements, establishing the band’s eclectic style. VHS includes hit singles like “Renegades” and “Unsteady,” both of which achieved significant chart success. “Renegades” reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and was used in a nationwide Jeep campaign, while “Unsteady” also enjoyed substantial radio play and chart success.
The album features Sam Harris on lead vocals, Casey Harris on keyboards, Noah Feldshuh on guitar, and Adam Levin on drums. The album was produced by Alex da Kid and recorded at multiple locations, including KIDinaKORNER studios in Los Angeles, California, from 2014 to 2015.
CD Track Listings:
- “Y2K Time Capsule (Interlude)” – 0:38
- “Renegades” – 3:14
- “Moving Day (Interlude)” – 0:55
- “Hang On” – 3:01
- “Unsteady” – 3:13
- “Beautiful Disaster” (featuring Jamie N Commons) – 3:24
- “Gorgeous” – 2:50
- “First Show (Interlude)” – 0:51
- “Fear” (featuring Imagine Dragons) – 4:07
- “Smoke” – 3:26
- “Shining” – 3:00
- “Nervous Wreck (Interlude)” – 0:54
- “Low Life” (featuring Jamie N Commons) – 3:45
- “Adam & Noah’s Priorities (Interlude)” – 1:12
- “B.I.G.” – 3:25
- “Feather” – 2:37
- “Superpower” – 3:16
- “Loveless” – 3:23
- “Jungle” (with Jamie N Commons) – 3:11
- “Good News on the Remix (Interlude)” – 0:59
- “Naked” – 3:33
- “Low Life 2.0” (featuring A$AP Ferg and Jamie N Commons) – 3:47
- “Collider” (featuring Tom Morello) – 3:31
Orion
Released June 14, 2019
Orion is X Ambassadors’ second studio album, released on June 14, 2019. This album continues the band’s exploration of alternative rock with anthemic choruses and emotional lyrics. Standout tracks include “Boom” and “Hey Child,” which showcase the band’s ability to blend energetic rock elements with introspective themes.
The album features the core band members Sam Harris on vocals, Casey Harris on keyboards, and Adam Levin on drums. The album was produced by Ricky Reed and recorded in various studios, including Echo Studio in Los Angeles, California, between 2018 and 2019.
CD Track Listings:
- “Hey Child” – 3:10
- “Confidence” (featuring K.Flay) – 3:10
- “Boom” – 2:42
- “Rule” – 3:54
- “History” – 3:30
- “Recover” – 2:53
- “Wasteland” – 3:43
- “Shadows” – 3:27
- “I Don’t Know How to Pray” – 2:50
- “Hold You Down” – 3:19
- “Wasteland (Reprise)” – 0:55
The Beautiful Liar
Released September 24, 2021
The Beautiful Liar is X Ambassadors’ third studio album, released on September 24, 2021. This concept album explores themes of love, loss, and mental health through a blend of alternative rock, pop, and electronic sounds. The album’s lead singles, “My Own Monster” and “Okay,” were well received, highlighting the band’s continued evolution and experimentation with their sound.
The album features Sam Harris on vocals, Casey Harris on keyboards, and Adam Levin on drums. Produced by Andrew Wells and recorded at various studios, including Electric Lady Studios in New York City and Echo Studio in Los Angeles, California, the album was crafted between 2020 and 2021.
CD Track Listings:
- “CHAPTER ONE: The Sleeping Giant” – 1:07
- “Beautiful Liar” – 3:47
- “My Own Monster” – 3:09
- “Adrenaline” – 3:04
- “Bullshit” – 3:03
- “CHAPTER TWO: Enter the Shadow” – 0:52
- “Okay” – 3:26
- “Love Is Death” – 2:42
- “In Your Arms” – 3:34
- “CHAPTER THREE: Shadow’s Confession” – 1:20
- “Torture” – 3:09
- “Somebody Who Knows You” – 3:27
- “Losing Me” (featuring Jensen McRae) – 3:36
- “I Can’t Trust Myself” – 3:25
- “CHAPTER FOUR: The Triumph of Venus” – 1:09